Air Tightness & Background Ventilation Testing
Air Tightness Testing (Pulse Method)
The Pulse Air Method is a modern technique for assessing building airtightness by releasing a brief burst of air to create a low-pressure pulse within the structure. This method measures the rate at which the building returns to normal pressure, indicating air leakage levels, and operates at a near-ambient pressure of 4 Pascals, reflecting real-world conditions.
it offers a quick, non-disruptive alternative to traditional blower door tests, providing accurate results with minimal disruption to occupants.
Background Ventilation Testing
Background ventilation testing is a process used to evaluate an existing property’s Air Change Rate (ACH) to determine if it has sufficient ventilation. This testing is particularly relevant for retrofit projects, as it aligns with the requirements outlined in PAS 2035. However, background ventilation testing can also be conducted for other purposes, such as extension or conversion projects.
It is crucial to conduct accurate assessments of dwellings for background ventilation. Improving a property can potentially decrease its air change rate, while an existing property may already have adequate ventilation. Therefore, failing to assess background ventilation could lead to the installation of unnecessary background ventilators.
Extractor Fan Flow Rate Testing
Extractor fan flow rate testing measures how efficiently an extractor fan moves air, typically expressed in litres per second (l/s) or cubic meters per hour (m³/h). This test helps determine if existing fans are adequately extracting or will need to be upgraded as part of project when installing fabric energy efficiency measures.